Recently, I put together a collection of designs to enter a design competition. Because I was interested in trying out this newly available product, I invested heavily. I bought 75 German Garden roses called Mariatheresa. The roses were truly beautiful! They were a true garden rose, so interesting and complex. I feel sure that the availability of these types of roses will provide a unique and exciting choice for brides. They held up very well for a long time, which is a big plus for garden roses.The competition required that I present a vased arrangement of primarily garden roses, although other materials could be used for accents.Sadly, I am technically challenged. I registered and submitted my entry by email. A few weeks later, when the entries were available to be viewed, I scrolled through and did not see my designs. When I contacted the host of the competition, I was informed that if the file had been successfully sent that I would have received a confirmation. I was not aware of that until it was too late.What a disappointment! It was not the fact that I should have won, but that I put in the effort to submit my entry and went to the expense and time to prepare the arrangement. One of these days I will feel confident that I can use the computer and my photo files to complete the tasks set out for me. Until then, I will just keep blundering along…Competition Blunder

Many flower growers here in the United States as well as in Columbia and Ecuador are choosing to grow flowers that meet the standards of a certification program in sustainable development. What was once a ideal held by a minority is rapidly becoming a common concern. Efforts are being made to market sustainable grown flowers and use recycled containers from a variety of materials such as glass, rubber and wood.Many of my largest suppliers are making products available and the variety of choices is greater all the time. The desire of the sustainable development is to provide 3 interdependent goals; economic development, social development and environmental protection. In other words, not only is the flower production and soil becoming pesticide free, but the workers and future generations are protected and cost is being held in check.I have had the pleasure of working with Brides who prefer to have “green wedding”. My experience has been wholly positive. My wholesalers have been able to provide me with a variety commonly used wedding flowers that have met the certification requirements. In addition, product is coming to me with the certification labeling more regularly, even when I haven’t specifically requested it. I am so very excited to be able to learn more about the ever-growing opportunities to work with forward thinking wedding couples. I am always learning more about the availability of product and I am thrilled to be able to provide this service at comparable or slightly higher pricing.As opportunities increase to buy food, clothing and flowers that keep a cleaner happier earth, more people are making that choice. As more people buy green, more production becomes available. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the choice I will make and will be proud to promote these options.

I had the most amazing experience at the AIFD Symposium in Palm Desert! The annual symposium attracts floral professionals from around the world to educate, enlighten and entertain student, working and retired floral designers.

Each year, for the past five years since I have tested and been inducted, I have enjoyed the vast variety of shows, educational programs and parties. Symposium has been held in various regions and cities throughout the United States so I have often been able to do some sight seeing as well. I am able to spend time with a very special friend who is also a member and make lots of new friends in the industry.

This year was very different. I thought that it would be a good time to get some experience “behind the scenes” in the design room but not miss all of the programs. I was assigned to work with 3 of the world’s best floral artists, Life 3 from Sweden, Holland and Belgium. At another time I will write about the specifics of those days. Needless to say, I attended very few shows in order to help complete the work but I left California with the feeling of having fallen head over heels in love with floral art and design all over again.

I had such an enriching week! I made several new friends from all over the United States, who also volunteered. I was treated to a work environment that was so unique and inspiring and required tremendous organization. I was able to help out on stage, which was the payoff, but also taught me how the backstage works. I assisted in a special daylong “hands on” workshop. The very best part of the whole week was that these 3 men are international showmen and teachers who are dedicated to flowers and nature and the artistic expression of emotional inspiration. They were remarkably kind, considerate and appreciative and that truly left a lifelong impression on me.

I am still feeling the elation and the emotional high from the week and I am so grateful to all of the people who worked so hard to provide this opportunity for me.

Using color to determine the tone for your wedding can be a powerful tool in creating a memorable event. The color you choose will reflect your personality and set the mood for your party.

Deciding the color that best fits your style will help you to make decisions about what to choose for linens, dresses, invitations and decorations. Staying focused on a theme will simplify the process. Feeling confident with your ideas will take the stress out of planning. Making informed decisions with the help of your wedding planner, florist, or spiritual adviser will take the stress out of choosing an overall color theme.

1. Red is a powerful color that signifies passion, excitement and fire

2. Yellow is the color of joy and the energy of sunlight

3. Orange has the power of red and the happiness of yellow. It signifies enthusiasm and creativity

4. Blue, being the color of the sky and the sea, is a cool, gentle color

5. Green is the color of nature. It is fresh and indicates growth and hope.

6. White has strength and clarity, power and purity.

7. Black is strong, classic and elegant.

8. Purple means royalty, power and nobility.

9. Brown gives stability.

10. Gold is a sign of wealth and prestige.

Simplicity in color scheming will be memorable for all of your guests. For example; imagine the “wow” factor of choosing red and fuchsia for your table linens and fresh flower centerpieces with an accent color of lime green to enhance the color value. The attendant’s dresses are fuchsia and they carry red, fuchsia and green bouquets. Once you have made your color decision the rest is easy! Serve red martinis; garnish the dinner plates with red. You can even tell your guests to feel free to wear red, fuchsia and green Chances are, your guests already know you have a powerful personality!

Putting the focus on specific color instead of specific flowers or decorations will save you money. Be creative but keep it simple. Have fun with your color scheme and stay focused on the theme. I promise it will make your life easier!

How to choose the right florist for your wedding

The business of planning a wedding is full of the unknown. Although most brides have dreamed about their wedding day for years, when it comes to the actual planning, the details become a blur.Being able to depend on the professionals you hire to help and guide you through the process is the most important part of the planning. After all, we do this all the time ! We have the resources and the knowledge of what will work, what is in style and what details have to be covered. The most important thing that the wedding professional can give you is the comfort of knowing that we will take care of your needs and will be available to answer your questions and put you at ease.

When hiring a florist for your wedding be sure that in your initial contact, you feel the comfort that this person will be professional, talented, flexible and accessible. Too often, a bride will focus first on the financials. I believe this is a mistake because it is hard to determine what you are actually getting for your money while shopping for florists. If a florist is easy to communicate with, we will try to read your wishes and interpret those wishes to the designs that best fit your style. Flexibility allows us to adjust the look to fit the budget.

Looking at photographs of the florist’s work, asking about their professional affiliations and feeling that they have passion for wedding work will help you establish their credibility. Not all good florists like to do weddings. Wedding florists must love the emotional highs and lows that the family experiences and be willing and able to provide balance and comfort when the fear or uncertainty comes into play.

There are written guides to determining what elements need attention and your florist will be familiar with the locations you choose to help you decide what will work the best. Certain flowers are not available at all times of the year so this needs to be taken into consideration. Feel free to ask plenty of questions about why your florist is recommending a specific structure or container. Focus on color and the unity of the flowers.

Accomplish your dream through strong communication with your florist. Feel confident that your interests are the most important feature of the communication and trust that you are in good hands with a passionate floral professional.